Alright, I think that is probably enough phylogenetic tree making for today. Hopefully, you can now be able to read these amazing evolutionary tools. And now some final EOC questions and essay!!! Yay!

Question

This cladogram shows the evolutionary relationships among some mammals based on homologous structures

Which statement is supported by this cladogram?

(1 point)
Responses

Cows and mouse deer are more closely related than javelinas and pigs.
Cows and mouse deer are more closely related than javelinas and pigs.

Hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas
Hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas

Javelinas and pigs are more closely related than baleen whales and toothed whales
Javelinas and pigs are more closely related than baleen whales and toothed whales

Toothed whales are more closely related to mouse deer than to hippopotamuses.

Answer 1

To determine which statement is correct based on the cladogram showing evolutionary relationships among mammals, let's analyze each option:

1. Cows and mouse deer are more closely related than javelinas and pigs.

   • This statement depends on the position of cows, mouse deer, javelinas, and pigs on the cladogram. Look for the branching points to see if cows and mouse deer share a more recent common ancestor compared to javelinas and pigs.

2. Hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas.

   • Again, check the positions on the cladogram. If cows and hippopotamuses branch off together, they are more closely related to each other than to javelinas.

3. Javelinas and pigs are more closely related than baleen whales and toothed whales.

   • This can be confirmed by comparing the points at which javelinas and pigs branch and the points at which baleen and toothed whales branch. If javelinas and pigs share a more recent common ancestor than either type of whale, this statement is supported.

4. Toothed whales are more closely related to mouse deer than to hippopotamuses.

   • Check if there is a closer branching point between toothed whales and mouse deer compared to the branching point between toothed whales and hippopotamuses.

Without seeing the actual cladogram, it's challenging to definitively identify which statement is supported. However, you should choose the statement based on your understanding of the positions of the groups involved. If you can recall the structure of the cladogram or share it, I could help you analyze it more specifically!